Hearing on Buddhist University's plan for Trinity School site delayed

The Ukiah Planning Commission did not hold a public hearing as scheduled Wednesday on a proposed plan for the former Trinity School campus because there were not enough members able to vote on the requested permit.

With Chairman Mike Whetzel absent and commissioners Kevin Doble and Judy Pruden recusing themselves because they live near the property in the 900 block of West Church Street, Planning Director Charley Stump said there was not the necessary quorum.

The commission continued the public hearing until Aug. 13.

The Dharma Realm Buddhist University, which currently holds classes at the City of 10,000 Buddhas in Talmage, has applied for a Major Use Permit that would allow it to expand into the nearly 5-acre site with eight buildings.

Planning staff are recommending that the permit be granted, describing it as "providing a distinguished university within the city limits," "an adaptive reuse of existing historic resources in a way that is compatible with the surrounding neighborhood," and contributing "to the local economy by bringing a university and its students to an area in close proximity to downtown shopping, restaurants, etc."

The applicants are not proposing adding signs, but have submitted a landscaping plan that includes planting a minimum of nine more trees. The applicants also plan to add more parking to the campus without taking away any green space.